Abbott delivered better-than-expected sales growth and raised its EPS guidance, driving a strong 12.8% stock gain as durable demand across key segments and pipeline progress reassured investors.
- Reported 4.8% comparable sales growth in Q2, accelerating from the prior two quarters.
- Adjusted EPS of $1.31 came above the midpoint of guidance, prompting an EPS outlook raise to $5.45–$5.60 for 2026.
- Diagnostics showed mixed results: core laboratory US business grew 7.5%, cancer diagnostics climbed 13%, but rapid and molecular diagnostics declined 8% due to a weak respiratory testing season.
- Nutrition sales improved sequentially by $125 million, with international pediatric nutrition growing 6.5% and U.S. adult nutrition volumes increasing double digits post-price adjustments.
- Pipeline progress remains strong, with multiple product launches and clinical trial enrollments planned in the next 12 months, supporting future growth potential.
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